Refinery problems lead to diesel rationing

Fuel distributors say Victorian motorists may experience diesel shortages for the next few weeks, due to problems at local refineries.

Storms in Melbourne last week caused refineries to shut down production and they are still not back to full capacity.

Nic Moulis, of the Australasian Convenience and Petrol Marketers Association, says the shortage has come at a peak time for diesel consumption, with the agriculture harvest under way and summer holiday period beginning.

He says the supply of diesel will be rationed.

"What that will mean is that sites, on a given day, may not get their full quota," he said.

"It doesn't mean that they will be out for days on end. As they move through the allocation again they will be replenished."